1911 Holsters

Custom-made 1911 Holsters

The Colt 1911 is the quintessential, all-American pistol. First introduced in 1911, it is famous for having served as the U.S. military service pistol from 1911 to 1985. The 1911 proved its dependability during both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The 1911 also became one of the most popular handgun platforms for shooters of all types in America, including civilians, law enforcement, and the military. This platform has decades of proven effectiveness in target shooting, competition, self-defense, police duty, and concealed carrying.

Despite the availability of newer, higher-capacity handguns for many decades, numerous gun owners continue to carry the 1911 for its accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and exceptional ergonomics. If you conceal-carry a Colt 1911 or one of the many variants and models based on the 1911 platform, here’s how to pick the best 1911 holsters.

Types of 1911 Concealed Holsters

There are two broad categories of 1911 concealment holsters, similar to those for other handgun platforms: inside the waistband (IWB) and outside the waistband (OWB) holsters.

While both types are suitable for concealed carrying, each has pros and cons. Choosing the holster type that best suits your needs ensures you conceal-carry your 1911 pistol with maximum comfort and minimal printing.

IWB Holsters

An IWB holster is ideal for hiding your handgun behind layers of clothing, maximizing concealment at the cost of some drawing speed and comfort. However, you can mitigate these disadvantages by practicing your draw stroke and choosing a high-quality, comfortable IWB holster, such as the Incognito T3.

OWB Holsters

Although OWB holsters let your handgun ride on the outside of your pants, requiring you to use an additional layer of clothing to conceal it, they offer numerous benefits. Drawing from an OWB holster is typically faster, and carrying OWB is more
comfortable. Using quality concealment OWB holsters like the Incognito Venture can also minimize printing and make it easier to carry concealed.

1911 Concealment Holster Sizes

Although the 1911 is a popular design, many variations of the original pistol exist, and not all are compatible with the same holsters. You must pair your gun with the correct holster type for maximum fit, retention, and comfort.

Three criteria influence the size and features your holster should possess to ensure maximum compatibility: overall handgun size, the presence or not of a frame rail, and whether your handgun has a red dot sight.

The most common 1911 handgun sizes today include:

• Military and Government Model: A 1911 patterned after the original military M1911, M1911A1, or the civilian Government Model, has a 5” barrel and a full-size frame and slide. Holsters designed for these models are typically compatible with any 5”-barreled 1911, provided the rail type is also compatible. For instance, a 1911 9mm holster may also accept a .45 model if they have the same external dimensions.
• Commander Model: 1911 pistols patterned after the original Colt Combat Commander generally feature a 4” to 4.25” barrel length and a shortened frame.

In addition to the handgun’s size, check whether your pistol features an underbarrel rail on the frame. For instance, holsters for 1911 non-rail models may not fit a rail 1911.

Also, check whether your handgun features a red dot sight. Holsters with additional top-end cuts, such as the Incognito Quick Draw holster, can accommodate pistols with this type of aiming device safely and comfortably.

Compatible 1911 Brands and Manufacturers

Incognito Concealment offers custom-designed 1911 concealed carry holsters compatible with a wide variety of brands and manufacturers, including:

• Colt
• Kimber
• Remington
• Rock Island Armory
• Springfield Armory

If your brand is not listed, check your pistol’s dimensions and features, as your handgun may still fit in one of our products. For instance, a holster designed for a non-rail, single-stack, full-sized Colt 1911 will likely fit any full-size, single-stack, non-rail 1911 pistol.

Carry the Ideal 1911 Holster with Incognito Concealment

At Incognito Concealment, we aim to equip American citizens with the knowledge and high-quality gear they need to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

We produce a range of high-quality Kydex 1911 holsters for any lawful application, suitable for shooters of all backgrounds and skill levels. Contact us today for more information on our holster products.